CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - Sen. Herb Snyder, who is completing his second four-year term in the West Virginia Legislature, announced Tuesday he is running for re-election next year.
In a press release Tuesday, the Jefferson County Democrat touted his work on environmental issues as one of his strong points.
Snyder said he has been a "watchdog for environmental issues," and was instrumental in the clean-up of hundreds of millions of waste tires in the state of West Virginia.
Snyder, who represents Berkeley and Jefferson counties in the 16th Senatorial District, also said he has been an "anchor" in the regulation of the coal and quarry industries.
Snyder said he worked to revamp the financially troubled Workers' Compensation program and has also been a member of the health and human resources committee which was involved in including 27,797 children in the Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIPS.
Snyder said in the release that he "speaks for all people in West Virginia.
"I am not finished. We have serious business to attend to in the Legislature. For example, all-terrain vehicles, DUI laws, child support enforcement, and economic development in the Eastern Panhandle are all important upcoming issues," Snyder said.
"The Eastern Panhandle deserves more respect than we have been given by the Legislature. Our area is the fastest growing area in the state and is the bread basket for the rest of West Virginia," Snyder said.
Snyder said by phone Tuesday he has mixed feelings about being in state politics, but says he is happy with the leadership positions he has and wonders who would fill them if he was not there.
"Some parts of politics I love, some parts of politics I hate," said Snyder, who also served six years on the Jefferson County Commission.
Snyder represents the 16th Senatorial District with Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley.
Next year's election season gets under way with a primary election in May followed by a general election in November.
